Whether you're looking to indulge in some self-care in Britain's original wellbeing destination, sample the delights of the city’s food and drink scene, or immerse yourself in world-class cultural events, there are more reasons than ever to visit Bath in 2026. It's no wonder why the city was recently crowned the best in the UK by readers of Condé Nast Traveller!
We’ve whittled down 26 of the top things to do this year, to help you plan your next Bath break.
1. De-stress with a spa day
Indulge in a day of pure bliss at one of the city’s world-renowned spas. Celebrate the iconic Thermae Bath Spa's 20th anniversary year with a dip in the venue's four pools full of Bath's natural thermal waters, be among the first to sample the top-of-the-range relaxation facilities at The Francis Hotel's stunning new spa when it opens in the spring, and boost your mental and physical wellbeing with the huge selection of therapies available at The Soul Spa.
No matter how you like to unwind, the perfect spa experience awaits in Bath - find the one for you in our ultimate guide to spas in Bath, or book into one of the city's top spa hotels.
Image: Thermae Bath Spa
2. Boost your wellbeing beyond the spas
Wellbeing in Bath isn’t just about spa treatments. Get out and explore the beautifully unique landscape of the city and its surrounding areas foot, by bike, by boat, or even by paddleboard! Join a guided cycling tour in and around the city with Wild Swim Bike Run, or hire one of their bikes for a day and go solo.
Take to the water aboard your own kayak or paddleboard for a tour with Original Wild along the River Avon, where you'll see some of Bath's most famous landmarks from a unique angle. Or, lace up your walking boots and follow one of the many hiking routes in and around the city, from the breathtaking views of the Bath Skyline Walk, to the calming meanders of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Bath's thriving food and drink scene also offers ample opportunity to nourish yourself with a wholesome meal, no matter which cuisine you fancy.
If you’re not sure where to start, the city-wide festival of wellbeing ReBalance Bath returns for three weeks of feel-good activities from 28 January – 16 February.
Image: Original Wild
3. Experience Bath's vibrant nightlife
See a different side to Bath after the sun sets, whether you fancy enjoying a spot of standup comedy, an enchanting magic show, or a club night.
If it's standup comedy you're after, look no further than Komedia Bath, where you'll find shows most nights, including the weekly Komedia Comedy Club every Friday.
Bear witness to impossible sleight of hand magic from some of the world's finest magicians at the Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre every Friday and Saturday night, and enjoy more mind-bending feats alongside cocktails in the speakeasy surroundings of the Sleight Magic Bar.
If you're after a good old fashioned night out, you're spoiled for choice in Bath. Komedia's popular Fame and Big Disco events take place every Friday and Saturday night respectively, allowing you to dance the night away to your guilty pop pleasures and nostalgic hits. Nearby, the Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub features three themed zones to suit whatever you're in the mood for, from the crowd-pleasing hits of 'Labyrinth Main,' to the cheesy party pop palace, 'Disco.'
Alternatively, keep things more low-key at one of Bath's atmospheric cocktail bars - we've rounded up some of our favourites for you here.
.jpg)
Image: Komedia
4. Time travel at Bath’s historic attractions
The whole city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, deemed historically and culturally important largely due to its Roman roots and magnificent eighteenth-century architecture. Don’t leave without digging into some of these layers of local history.
Get a taste of what life was like for Bath’s residents almost 2,000 years ago at the iconic Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. This year, you can experience this ancient site in completely different ways, with the Baths hosting a range of fun events, including a silent disco and murder mystery evening in February.
Just steps away is Bath Abbey, where a place of worship has stood for 1,200 years. Today, it houses incredible stained-glass windows and fan vaulted ceilings, as well a modern Discovery Centre chronicling the building's rich history. Or, for a slice of Georgian Bath, take a short walk north to visit No.1 Royal Crescent. Reopening after its annual winter break on 1 February, the museum is decorated and furnished just as it might have been during the period from 1776 to 1796.
Outside the city centre, discover the story of one of Bath's most unusual landmarks, Beckford's Tower, which reopens from 14 February onwards. Built as a lavish retreat for the novelist William Beckford in 1827, today the tower is home to a museum featuring a variety of pieces from Beckford's collections, as well as the original rooftop Belvedere, which offers impressive views over Bath.
You can also learn more about Bath's history and architecture at the Museum of Bath Stone and Museum of Bath at Work.
Image: The Roman Baths, credit Lloyd Evans Photography
5. Stop by the World Heritage Centre
Discover why Bath has scooped not one, but two World Heritage inscriptions – an exceptional feat – at Bath World Heritage Centre. Hands-on, accessible exhibits will dig into what makes the city such a special place, and you can pick up trail maps and guides there too. It’s the perfect jumping off point for exploring Bath.
Image: Bath World Heritage Centre
6. Fall in love with Bath’s exceptional food and drink scene
What better excuse to sink your teeth into some of the mouth-watering dishes being served at Bath’s diverse selection of award-winning cafes, pubs, and restaurants than the Bath Restaurant Week, which returns for its second edition in March? The event will once again be preceded by a waiters’ race in the city centre, where you can cheer on the contestants and find out which team will be crowned victorious!
Discover even more of the finest food and drink Bath has to offer on one of Savouring Bath’s tours, which will introduce you to the city’s artisan producers while feeding you knowledge on the city’s culinary history. Don't miss the afternoon tea experience, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city, followed by your choice of a ‘Georgian’ or ‘Luxury’ themed afternoon tea in one of Bath’s gorgeous eateries. The tour itself can be tailored for your tastes, whether you’re interested in Jane Austen’s links to the city, Bath’s starring role in film and TV, the city during the 18th century, or a more general overview.
You can even pick up kitchen tips and techniques from brilliant Bath chefs offering cookery classes or at local food events, where you can catch demos and workshops in between sampling the fare on offer.
Image: Green Park Brasserie
7. Time your visit for a festival
You're sure to find an event or two in this year's festival lineup to pique your interest! As a taster, there’s the beloved Bath International Music Festival and Bath Literature Festival in May, heralded by the annual Party in the City, as well as the beloved Bath Carnival in July, and the world-famous Jane Austen Festival and Bath Children’s Literature Festival in September.
For classical music fans, the year is bookended by Bachfest in February and Mozartfest in November, both of which will mark their first editions led by new Artistic Director Adrian Brendle.
Keep an eye out for the return of the Curious Minds Festival in March, featuring a packed programme of book talks, live performances, film screenings, writing workshops and walking tours.
Food lovers will also be delighted to hear that Valley Fest is back on the banks of Chew Valley Lake from 31 July - 2 August, with its usual selection of the region's finest food accompanied by an incredible lineup of live performers. Hot on its heels is Foodies Festival, which returns to Royal Victoria Park from 4 - 6 September.
Image: Bath Carnival, credit Lucy Baker Photography
8. Experience brand-new events
Every year, Bath and its surrounding area welcomes newcomers to its already packed events calendar, and 2026 is no exception! Look out for the new Festival of Choirs at Green Park Station this May, a celebration of choir singing across Bath, which will run alongside the annual Party in the City event.
Later in the same month, the new Show of Hands festival takes over Gilcombe Farm in the nearby town of Bruton, with a bank holiday weekend full of jazz and electronica music, hot air ballooning, creative arts, wellness activities, and much more.
More new events in Bath are announced every day, so be sure to keep an eye on our What's On page throughout the year!
9. Follow in the footsteps of your favourite Bridgerton characters
With the highly anticipated fourth season of Bridgerton hitting our screens in January and February, why not immerse yourself in the world of the show with a trip to Bath, one of the key filming locations?
Step inside the homes of the Featherington family and Lady Danbury at No.1 Royal Crescent and The Holburne Museum respectively, and savour a delectable afternoon tea at the Abbey Deli, which portrayed the legendary Modiste in the show's first two seasons.
Join one of the many Bridgerton-themed tours available in the city and hear captivating behind-the-scenes snippets on how the show was brought to life in Bath, along with some fabulous bonuses, from listening to music from the show as you roam the city, to insights on how accurately Bridgerton portrays life in Regency Britain.
Image: Bridgerton season 3 filming in Bath, credit Jamie Bellinger
10. Take in Bath’s iconic architecture
Go for a wander around the city and marvel at the elegant Georgian architecture and distinctive honey-coloured Bath stone at every turn. Our guide to Bath's most Instagrammable spots highlights some of the city’s most photogenic buildings and landmarks, from the magnificent Circus and Royal Crescent to hidden alleyways and more.
Image: Pulteney Bridge & Weir, credit David Cherriman
11. Stay overnight
Soak up Bath for longer by staying the night. The city’s accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes: luxury hotels, cosy guesthouses, boutique boltholes, family-friendly digs, and countryside spa retreats. Get the best deal when you visit midweek or check out our accommodation offers.
Image: The Francis Hotel
12. Walk it out
Bath is an extremely walkable city. You can easily amble between different areas and landmarks in the compact city centre, or let someone else lead the way on a guided walking tour. Get some inspiration on the best walking routes for exploring every nook and cranny of the city and its surrounding area using the Bathscape website.
Head just a little further afield and you can get out for a scenic stroll in the countryside. If you like to reward yourself with a pint and a bite to eat along the way, there are plenty of great pub walks too. You can also find a wide range of hiking routes in the bountiful countryside surrounding Bath on Outdooractive, where you'll find plenty of routes to suit all abilities, published by locals and visitors alike.
Image: Bath Skyline Walk
13. Experience world-class exhibitions
Get your cultural fix at one of Bath's galleries and museums, from exploring the screen-printed creations of Dame Zandra Rhodes at The Holburne Museum, to the colour of 19th and 20th century British posters at Victoria Art Gallery. You’ll also find exhibitions of exquisite artwork throughout the year at the Museum of East Asian Art.
Image: Victoria Art Gallery
14. Discover Bath's starring role in film & TV
In addition to Bridgerton, Bath has been used as the backdrop for many other productions over the years. Binge your way through our Bath film and TV watchlist, then imagine that you're in a scene from 2023’s Wonka film musical, BBC's crime drama Sherlock, ITV's murder mystery series McDonald & Dodds, or Netflix's upcoming Agatha Christie TV adaptation ‘The Seven Dials Mystery' as you wander through the city's historic streets.
15. Enjoy theatre and live comedy
Keen theatregoer? Take a look at what’s on at the Theatre Royal Bath, one of the oldest theatres in the country, where West End productions, opera, comedy and dance all regularly fill the stage. The theatre's packed programme for 2026 kicks off with West End hit 2:22: A Ghost Story in January, closely followed by Killing Eve star Jodie Comer gracing the stage in Suzie Miller's Olivier award-winning play Prima Facie. Tickets are currently sold out, but keep an eye out for returns!
Other highlights at the Theatre Royal include the return of the smash hit musical SIX in April, new stage adaptations of the classic 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers and John le Carre's espionage novel The Spy Who Came in From the Cold in July and August respectively, and a star turn by acting legend Sir David Suchet in a new adaptation of T.S. Eliot's famous drama Murder in the Cathedral in November.
Get your comedy fix just around the corner at Komedia Bath, where acclaimed comics including Mark Watson, Mike Wozniak, Ardal O'Hanlon, Maisie Adam, and many more are lined up for 2026.
And enjoy the 20-day long Bath Comedy Festival in April, with standup shows from the country's finest up-and-coming comedians, as well as established stars.
Image: Komedia Bath
16. Savour local tipples
Bath is home to a thriving local drinks scene. If a good beer is your tipple of choice, your perfect pint may be waiting at The Bath Brew House, The Cork, or at Bath's very own brewery, Electric Bear Brewing Co, who have a taproom just a short walk from the city centre. Cider lovers can find a wide range of unique fermentations crafted on-site at The Bath Cider House, or visit the home of Thatchers Cider, nestled just outside the city in the scenic Mendip Hills.
Gin fiends will be pleased to hear there’s plenty of mother’s ruin to go round, with several bars boasting commendable gin collections and varieties from local distillers.
Image - Electric Bear Brewing Co.
17. Leave the city for a day
If time is on your side, explore some of the picturesque villages and countryside beyond Bath during your visit. You’re well and truly spoilt for choice, with stand-out day trip locations like world wonder Stonehenge, the famously pretty village of Castle Combe, the Harry Potter star Lacock, and the storied town of Glastonbury to choose from, among many others.
Don’t have a car? Take a look at the many day tours available from Bath, including those from Rabbie’s Tours, Mad Max Tours, Bath Insider Tours, In & Beyond Bath, and many more. Or, simply hop aboard a train at Bath Spa station and discover some of the fabulous destinations on the city's doorstep.
Image: Castle Combe
18. Explore Bath’s shopping areas
Browse a wide variety of wares in the city’s shopping hotspots. These include SouthGate, based just steps away from the city’s railway and bus stations, for high-street brands; Milsom Street and Shires Yard for fashion, beauty and interiors; and artisan quarter Walcot Street for everything from vintage clothing to quirky artworks. Don't miss the network of characterful alleyways springing off of the main streets, where you'll find a wide variety of fabulous indie shops selling everything from clothing to natural remedies, and much more.
2026 also sees the highly anticipated reopening of the Jolly's department store on Milsom Street, an iconic Bath institution, so be one of the first shoppers to visit!
Image: SouthGate Bath
19. Get a new perspective on a city tour
Allow Bath’s excellent tour guides take you on an adventure around the city. Choose by mode of transport – there are options on foot, by bike, bus, and even boat – and by theme, with iconic sights, ghost walks, food and drink, Jane Austen, and Bridgerton among those on offer.
.png)
Image: Bath Adventures
20. See the city's sporty side
Immerse yourself in Bath's rich sporting heritage during your visit. The city is home to one of the world's oldest rugby clubs, Bath Rugby, who are also the reigning champions of England following their victory in the 2024-25 Gallagher Premiership Rugby championship. Follow their campaign to retain their title this year, with Premiership fixtures taking place regularly at The Recreation Ground in the city centre throughout the season until June, alongside some European Championship matches.
If you're more in to football, you can catch local team Bath City FC at their home ground of Twerton Park in the city's western suburbs. Or, take in the atmosphere of race day at Bath Racecourse, with regular events between March and October. Further outside the city, you'll find thrilling motorsport events at Castle Come Circuit which showcase all kinds of vehicle, from modern tuner cars and classic cars to motorcycles and much more.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, take to the sky for one of the city’s other favourite pastimes: hot air balloon rides.
Image: Bath Rugby
21. Treat yourself to an afternoon tea
Speaking of favourite pastimes, afternoon tea is big in Bath. Just as special as the delicious sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats on offer are the venues where they’re served – from the grand Pump Room Restaurant, to traditional tearooms, to swanky hotels.
Image: Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
22. Enjoy incredible live music
As well as the celebrations of classical music at Bachfest, Bath International Music Festival, and Mozartfest, there’s a chance to enjoy pop, jazz, funk, soul and swing gigs all year round at intimate live music venues. Head to beloved pubs, bars, and restaurants across Bath including Green Park Brasserie, The Grapes, The Bath Brew House, and The Bell Inn to enjoy regular live music performances that allow you to be serenaded in style as you tuck in to delicious food and drink.
Image: The Bell Inn
23. Spend time in Bath’s lovely parks and gardens
Stretch your legs, have a picnic and admire the greenery in the many peaceful parks and gorgeous gardens in and around the city. They range from the wide green expanse of Royal Victoria Park and the Capability Brown-landscaped Prior Park (which features one of only four Palladian bridges in the world), to two of the country’s best remaining Georgian pleasure gardens, Sydney Gardens and Parade Gardens.
Just outside the city, discover the breathtaking Italianate gardens at Iford Manor, designed by famed Edwardian landscaper Harold Peto.
Image: Iford Manor Gardens, credit Marianne Cartwright-Hignett
24. Try something different
See a different side to the city with an experience from Yuup, whether you opt for foraging, making your own gin, or enjoying a wine & cheese tasting.
Image: Yuup
25. Go for a spooky Halloween night out
Did you know that Bath is home to two of Britain's biggest Halloween scare attractions? Brave the immersive After Dark horror experience that lies within the four floors of Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, or set foot inside Avon Valley's FEAR Scream Park if you dare, featuring award-winning scare mazes, fire shows and funfair rides to name just a few!
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein also runs a range of thrilling activities throughout the year. Challenge your friends and family to escape room challenges, or try your hand at solving the mystery of the Body in a Suitcase game.
You can also get your Halloween fix throughout the year by joining Bath Ghost Tours on evenings between March and October to discover the stories behind some of Bath's most notorious hauntings!
26. Get into the festive spirit at Bath Christmas Market
The much-loved Bath Christmas Market will return to the historic city centre streets in 26 November to 13 December 2026. Visit to soak up the festive atmosphere and indulge in locally made food and drink. Book your Christmas break now to avoid disappointment.
Image: Bath Christmas Market, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
Find more things to do in Bath:
Related
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
Maps and Guides
Travel Information
Special Offers
Enewsletter
Book Tickets